Two of Shostakovich's most famous and contrasting works are included here. Symphony No. 5 is dark and full of the drama of the Soviet age, whereas the Festive Overture is an irrepressibly breezy contrast. Recorded in Cadogon Hall, the wonderful Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted here by their Principal Associate Conductor Grzegorz Nowak.

American Record Guide, July/August 2014Violinist Matthew Trusler's new recording of Britten's Violin Concerto in D minor with Seikyo Kim and the Flanders Symphony is a welcome addition to the catalog. Trusler is a terrific violinist who is more than equal to the challenges of this concerto. He plays the opening Moderato con moto movement with a melting tone and sweet sensitivity. The second movement, Vivace, is a kind of perpetual-motion scherzo, and Trusler plays it with pinpoint accuracy and drama. His playing in the finale, an expansive passacaglia, is just this side of sublime, with his expertly sculpted phrases seemingly probing every emotion and instrumental color. Kim adds him flexible and colorful accompaniment.